Imports of mangoes, guavas, and mangosteens from non EU countries amounted to nearly 402 million euro in 2014; 365 million came from developing countries. Between 2010 and 2014, the value of imports from developing countries increased by 69%.
The Netherlands is the leading importer of fresh mangoes in Europe, followed by Germany, the UK and France. In 2014, the Netherlands imported about 150,000 tons of mangoes, mangosteens, and guavas from outside the EU, which accounts for 36% of total EU imports.
French imports from non EU countries have declined over the last ten years, indicating that the re-export of mangoes is becoming less usual.
The main countries of origin for the mangoes imported by the European market are Brazil (37% of non EU imports), Peru (27%) and the Ivory Coast (7.6%). In Europe, Spain produces about 20,000 tons of mangoes. These amounts are not recorded by the FAO.
India and China are the largest producers of mangoes in the world. In 2013, these countries produced more than 22 million tons, accounting for half of the world production of mango. Since India and China's production is mainly destined to their own domestic markets, most European countries import their mangoes from other producing countries. In 2014, Brazil and Peru provided 63% of all of Europe's demand of mangoes, and a small portion came from West Africa.
Brazilian mangoes are most abundant from September to January, while those of other countries and of different varieties, like Keitt and Kent, are also present in the market. Peruvian mangoes are on the market from late December through to March.
Mango consumption is expected to increase in the long term, but its growth will depend on the availability of high quality mangoes. Total mango consumption in the EU market approaches 250,000 tons per year. The largest consumer markets are in the United Kingdom (59,000 tons), Germany (53,000 tons) and France (36,000 tons). The main varieties consumed in Europe are Keitt and Kent. Consumption of the Palmer, Maya, and Shelly varieties is increasing, while consumption of the Tommy Atkins variety declines.
Source: diariosur.es